Search

Back when we started this blog (three years ago today actually) we didn’t really think about the name too much. It was very ronseal, we were looking for bands from each letter of the alphabet so Alphabet Bands seemed like the natural choice. We didn’t Google it to see if it existed already and we didn’t consider the possibility for confusion that it may cause (we’ve been called so many things in the last three years, alphabet city being one of our favourites, and even confused with the band Alphabeat by many a European radio station (we do like getting tweets about how they are playing our new record mind you)). Nor did we consider the possibility that there would ever be an actual real life alphabet band. But now there is and the guys from Iowa dropped us a line the other day to say hi and introduce themselves to their UK based, non-music making namesakes.

Ok, technically they are actually called Alpha Bet, but while that is not exactly the same (their social media stuff is all Alpha Bet Band) it is close enough and naturally we were quite excited to virtually meet them whilst simultaneously nervous. What if they’re rubbish?

Thankfully they are not rubbish, not in the slightest and so without further ado, on the day they release new single “Clarabella” and on our 3rd Blog Birthday, we’re pleased to introduce you to Alpha Bet.

Comprised of Harrison ‘Harry’ Horgan (guitar, vocals), Skyler Gonzalez (keys, vocals), Erich Martin (bass, vocals) and Peter Weihs (percussion, vocals), the four piece met at the University of Iowa campus and now make charming alt-indie-rock. “Clarabella” is, for the most part, a gentle rocking chair of mellifluous melodies and guitar lines. We say for the most part as there are a couple of fantastic moments where the gentle ebb and flow is broken up by a crash and soft thrash of drums, harmonies and guitars. A little injection of adrenaline to keep you ticking over as the tune swoons and sways.

“Trampoline” has a little more edge and feels even better for it. There’s quirkiness to it, a wry feeling of worldly observation told on a broken TV. We love it. There are elements of TV Girl but if they had Dare Dukes as a guest songwriter and vocalist. It’s just that little bit different, like coming home and finding everything in your house has been moved just an inch from where you left it. There’s a little alt-funk bassline in there to groove to, sardonic vocals, summer breeze harmonies and delightful little guitar picks.

In short, we’re pretty pleased these guys share our name and hope you like them too.